Prime accused arrested in Pratapgarh dowry death case after months on run
Police in Pratapgarh have arrested the prime accused in a dowry death case that has shocked the district.
Police in Pratapgarh have arrested the prime accused in a dowry death case that has shocked the district. Pankaj Pandey, who was on the run since the case was registered, was apprehended near the Antu Western Railway crossing gate by officers from Antu police station. Pandey is accused of killing his wife Diksha Devi and attempting to conceal her body.
According to the complaint filed by Diksha's brother, a resident of Ramganj area in Amethi, Diksha was married to Pankaj Pandey of Mawaiyakala village on 26 November 2020. The bride's family alleged that Pandey's family had demanded Rs 5 lakh in cash and an Alto car as dowry at the time of marriage. When these demands were not met, Diksha was subjected to continuous mental and physical torture.
On 9 August 2026, Diksha's family was informed that she had fallen ill and was being taken to hospital. The family has alleged that they were subsequently misled and sent to different locations. Police intervention eventually led to the recovery of Diksha's body. The family has accused Pandey and his relatives of murder and concealment of evidence.
Based on the complaint, Antu police registered a case under BNS sections 85, 80(2), 61(2), 238 and sections 3/4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act against four named accused and two unknown persons. The arrest was made under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhukar, Additional SP (East) Alok Kumar and Circle Officer Ashutosh Mishra. Sub-Inspector Rajjan Rao, along with Constable Jayant Kushwaha, carried out the operation based on an informer's tip.
Police have stated that further legal proceedings in the case are underway as they continue their investigation into the tragic death.
Frequently asked questions
Who was arrested in the Pratapgarh dowry death case?
Pankaj Pandey, the prime accused in the dowry death case, was arrested near the Antu Western Railway crossing gate by officers from Antu police station. He had been on the run since the case was registered.
What were the allegations against Pankaj Pandey?
Pandey is accused of killing his wife Diksha Devi and attempting to conceal her body. According to the complaint, Pandey's family had demanded Rs 5 lakh in cash and an Alto car as dowry, and subjected Diksha to continuous mental and physical torture when demands were not met.
When did Diksha Devi die?
On 9 August 2026, Diksha's family was informed that she had fallen ill and was being taken to hospital. Police later recovered her body following family allegations of foul play.
What sections were used to register the case?
Antu police registered a case under BNS sections 85, 80(2), 61(2), 238 and sections 3/4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act against four named accused and two unknown persons.
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